Google has launched the Fitbit Edge, a $179.99 fitness tracker with a replaceable battery that takes over from the Charge 6. The company announced the device on Monday, with pre-orders open now and retail availability starting October 27.
Fitbit Edge price and availability
The standard Fitbit Edge costs $179.99 and comes in four colours: Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon. A Stephen Curry Special Edition is priced at $219.99 and adds a distinctive colour scheme with a water-repellent, moisture-wicking band.
Fitbit Edge battery and display
Google calls the Fitbit Edge its first repairable fitness tracker, with a battery that users can replace. The company says it lasts up to seven days between charges, which is best-case use, and that a five-minute charge adds enough power for a day.
The hybrid OLED display sits alongside a physical side button. The tracker is 11.5mm thick, and Google says the screen offers 46% more area than its earlier trackers. Watch faces, complications and health and activity tiles can be customised.
Fitbit Edge health and fitness tracking
The device has built-in GPS, so runs and rides can be tracked without a phone, and Google claims up to 40% better tracking accuracy than previous generations. It is water resistant to 50 metres.
Sensors include continuous optical heart-rate monitoring, a skin temperature sensor for overnight changes, an altimeter for elevation and an on-wrist ECG app. The tracker offers sleep-stage analysis, heart rate variability metrics and morning recovery scores, along with more than 50 exercise modes and automatic recognition of up to 100 workouts.
What the Fitbit Edge leaves out
The Fitbit Edge has no microphone or speaker, so it cannot take calls, and it has no NFC for contactless payments, which the Charge 6 offered. It does support Google Maps, media controls and call and message notifications.
The Gemini-powered Google Health Coach needs a Google Health Premium subscription, which is separate from the hardware price. Google includes three months of Premium with the Fitbit Edge.
